By JOHN SAKALA
An underground miner at Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) has accidently blasted himself to death with explosives when he was conducting mine blasting.
Both Copperbelt Deputy Police Chief Wamunyima Wamunyima and KCM General Manager Eugene Chungu have confirmed the fatality to The Independent Observer.
Mr Wamunyima said the accident happened around 04:55 hours this morning when Ezekiel Mwape was conducting blasting at 970 metres deep at 12 West, 6B drift.
He said Mr Mwape, 35, a Scraper Driver for KCM contractor, Lukoria General Dealers had accidently blasted himself where he had his right hand cut off and stomach ripped open.
“The body of the victim is in Nchanga South Mine Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem and police have opened a docket of inquiry,” he said.
And Mr Chungu said KCM was saddened with the loss.
“Vedanta Africa Base Metals confirms that an accident at Vedanta’s KCM in Chingola, happened on Friday June 15, and has claimed the life of a KCM employee. No other employees were injured in the incident.
“All work at Nchanga Underground Mine has been halted while investigations – involving the local emergency services, Police, the Mine Safety Department, our representative trade unions and senior KCM Management and operations structures – are underway,” Mr Chungu said.
